Product Development​/R&D Manager

We are partnering with a well-established, growing meat processing organization with multiple Midwest facilities to identify a Product Development / R&D Manager
. This is a highly autonomous, hands‑on role responsible for developing, refining, and maintaining smoked pork products, with a primary focus on bacon and ham
.

This role owns the product development process from concept through refinement, ensuring consistent flavor, quality, and customer satisfaction. The Product Development / R&D Manager will work cross‑functionally with internal teams and directly with customers, operating independently without direct reports.

• Lead hands‑on R&D and product development for smoked pork products, primarily bacon and ham
• Fine‑tune flavor profiles to meet established taste, quality, and customer standards
• Develop, adjust, and optimize ingredient formulations and injection processes
• Manage product samples and oversee product trials from start to finish
• Communicate directly with customers and buyers regarding specifications, feedback, and refinements
• Support scheduling and coordination related to product development activities as needed
• Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all product development efforts

• Background in meat product development, R&D, or food manufacturing (pork experience strongly preferred)
• Solid understanding of bacon and ham processing, flavor development, and injection systems
• Hands‑on, detail‑driven professional comfortable working independently
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and buyers

• True ownership of product development in a hands‑on, independent R&D role
• Stable, growing organization with a strong Midwest footprint
• Competitive compensation with relocation assistance available

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award‑winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client‑focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

$80,000.00/yr - $/yr